MacBook Pro with Apogee Duet or Headamp Pico or neither?

[Hartfell]

I hope I'm placing this thread in the right forum.

I have recently switched to a MacBook Pro from Windows and I am very impressed with the superior sound I am getting from my current simple set up. My source is LAME INSANE encoded MP3s played through iTunes 7.6 directly out to my Grado RS-1s through the headphone out jack. I have Audio MIDI Setup set to 96/24 when using my headphones. My previous source has been a RIO Karma using the dock and lineout to my RSA SR-71 amp to Grado RS-1s. To my ears, it's tough to say which setup sounds better. Anyway, so much for the background, here are my questions:

Will I hear a significant improvement in sound quality if I add either an Apogee Duet or Headamp Pico DAC to my MacBook Pro setup? Both units are priced the same. Also, I would love opinions from those who have heard both which they think would likely be a better choice in terms of sound quality considering my particular setup of source components.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer me in my choice. I am unable to try before I buy based on where I live so I wanted to get some opinions to help me decide.

[RubyRedHead]

Look up Iron_Dreamer

He will be able to tell you (If he hasn't already in one of his reviews) if your on the right track.

[Capunk]

If I were you... I will starting to rip my CD into Lossless format.
and after that, I get Headamp Pico, since I won't use any extra features from Apogee Duet, a simple plug & play USB from Pico is enough for me.
Beside, Headamp Pico is intended for headphone use only, and since I'm focusing on headphone listening, I would get something that intended for that purpose only.

[mchang]

I've also seen where many aren't too impressed with the Firewire-only interface of the Duet (and the proprietary breakout cable). And while I celebrate the Mac-centric design of it (I'm a Mac guy), I figured this would limit resell value later and stopped additional researching. That, and I already ordered a Pico.

[grawk]

I've got both the pico and the duet right now, and I can tell you, both are miles better than the built in sound. I could stick with either as my primary source and be plenty happy. The duet is more flexible, the pico is a LOT more compact, and can act as a portable amp, if you like such things.

So far, listening with iM616s and HHF1s, I don't have a preference for one over the other, but both do a spectacular job. Justin's device is a marvel, and the apogee delivers that apogee sound. Either is among the best deals in audio. The mac-only ness is a feature of the apogee, it lets them give you more for less.

[Hartfell]

Originally Posted by grawk

I've got both the pico and the duet right now, and I can tell you, both are miles better than the built in sound. I could stick with either as my primary source and be plenty happy. The duet is more flexible, the pico is a LOT more compact, and can act as a portable amp, if you like such things.

So far, listening with iM616s and HHF1s, I don't have a preference for one over the other, but both do a spectacular job. Justin's device is a marvel, and the apogee delivers that apogee sound. Either is among the best deals in audio. The mac-only ness is a feature of the apogee, it lets them give you more for less.

I'll definitely buy one or the other then if you're saying there's a significant improvement in sound quality. Since you're also saying the sound quality is comparable between the two units, here's my pros and cons list. I'm excluding pros and cons that apply to both units since they're redundant.

For Pico
1) Small
2) Multi OS platform which will help with eventual resale value
3) Has amp built in
4) Designed specifically as a computer-as-source DAC for headphones

Against Pico
1) Needs AC Adapter
2) AC Adapter is almost bigger than the unit itself so it's not really so small

Pro Duet
1) Bus-powered
2) Very Mac-compatible
3) Beautiful styling

Against Duet:
1) Mac-only compatible which will make resale harder
2) Not specifically designed just as a DAC for headphones

I'd love to hear your views on the above. Also, how do you think the Duet would sound paired with the SR-71 amp?

[grawk]

Originally Posted by Hartfell

I'll definitely buy one or the other then if you're saying there's a significant improvement in sound quality. Since you're also saying the sound quality is comparable between the two units, here's my pros and cons list. I'm excluding pros and cons that apply to both units since they're redundant.

For Pico
1) Small
2) Multi OS platform which will help with eventual resale value
3) Has amp built in

Both have an amp built in

4) Designed specifically as a computer-as-source DAC for headphones

Against Pico
1) Needs AC Adapter
2) AC Adapter is almost bigger than the unit itself so it's not really so small

pico + power supply is definitely smaller than duet, and it'll run for quite a while on battery, so you only need power for short periods while you charge.

Pro Duet
1) Bus-powered
2) Very Mac-compatible
3) Beautiful styling

Against Duet:
1) Mac-only compatible which will make resale harder

There's a huge market out there for the duet, lots of songwriters, home studio guys, etc. I wouldn't stress about that.

2) Not specifically designed just as a DAC for headphones

I don't think you'll mind the apogee dac sound. It sounds great. It's no less designed for headphones than the pico.

I'd love to hear your views on the above. Also, how do you think the Duet would sound paired with the SR-71 amp?

I think the SR71 would make it sound worse, with the possible exception of using it with etymotics.

I don't think you can go wrong with either. If you have no use for the ADC, tho, and only plan on using it with headphones, I'd go with the pico. Justin's a great guy, supports the community, and will take care of you. That said, there's nothing bad to say about apogee customer service.

[Hartfell]

Thank you very much for your advice. Much appreciated.

[Jaska]

Originally Posted by grawk

I think the SR71 would make it sound worse, with the possible exception of using it with etymotics.

Why would that be the case? Are you saying that the Duet's built-in headphone amp sounds better?

[grawk]

I'm saying that without a doubt, no question in my mind, the amp in the duet sounds better.